In what has been described as “an incredible showcase of southern flair”, Laborie on Sunday 15th February, hosted its community festival, part of activities for National Arts Festival, ArtReach 2015. The annual Arts Festival is an opportunity for musicians, artisans, writers and friends of the arts to showcase their individuality and creativity in spaces dedicated to each category of artistic expression.
Visual artists displayed their wares – from hot sauce to hot shorts in a two – day exhibition. The brilliant and innovative designs, which in one way or another capture elements of Saint Lucia’s cultural heritage were being showcased at the Papel Craft Centre and exhibits were submitted by southern artisans.
In true Laborie fashion, Les Ti Jans de Labowi invoked the traditional spirit with a spectacle of masquerade and stilt walking, capturing the attention of bystanders. Scores of individuals – young and young at heart, were eager to unleash the hidden Picasso within them, by participating in “sidewalk art” and community collage competitions, one of the more popular activities for the day.
Avòtsèvis (translated to mean “at your service”), without a doubt gave the people what they wanted with a superb drumming performance that had the crowd moving to every drum beat.
Other performances: dance, spoken word and music from Laborie Steelpan Orchestra, Yonachak of Itation Band, Young Mecca & Co., Drii Notes, Crown Stars 2 and Soca Bandit all made for a varied showcase not to mention entertaining evening.
Other activities which form part of the National Arts Festival Calendar of Events for 2015 include “Proud to be Saint Lucian” scheduled for Monday February 23rd on the Pigeon Island Causeway, a National Visual Arts Exhibition at Blue Coral Mall from March 5th – 28th, featured artist Gary Butte and Poetry Live, with guest Jamaican poet laureate, Mervin Morris.